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General InformationGeneral Information applies to all of Okinawa International School.
Each departments details are written in their respective Hand Book. Please refer toeach department hand book for further information.
A. Introduction
Welcome to Okinawa International School.What is education for? It is simply because we live in a social organization called family, community,country, and our world. All subjects are not taught vertically in isolation. Being a part of society, wehave been affected by it directly or indirectly. Instead they are interconnected and thus taught in aninterdisciplinary approach.
At the same time, we have been having an impact on our society. Since we are given a valuablechance of life, we need to grow as a person who can give a lot of positive influence on society. Fromthe very moment we start learning, we keep learning, not for examination but to give positive impact onthe world we live in, and continue to grow day by day. When we go into the world after graduation from
school, it is important to become an indispensable human resource who can think critically, who carefor others, and who do things while engaging in meaningful communication.
This hand book is provided to give you information on the school and its policies. These policies will beimplemented for the safety and welfare of all the children in the school. Please take time to read thehandbook carefully.Signing the application form signifies that you have read, understood and agreed with these policies.You may get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to a happy,productive and meaningful academic year.
PHILOSOPHYAt the threshold of the 21st Century, the school moves with the challenges of the new era in itsacademic service to keep up with the advances in technology, exponential growth in information and
globalization. The content and pedagogy that all learning experiences in Okinawa International School(OIS) are founded on is the philosophy that each person has infinite possibilities and uniquecircumstances. Each child is gifted with the capacity for self- actualization which will enable him tocontribute positively to the social transformation of the national and global community.
MISSIONOkinawa International School commits itself to providing an integral and holistic education thataddresses the development of the child as a whole being: intellectually, socially, emotionally andphysically. The school is dedicated to providing its students with a learning environment that putsemphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills to equip the child to respond to real lifesituations as a national and global citizen.
VISIONWith lifelong skills, competencies and inner strength of character, Okinawa International Schoolenvisions that its learners will be able to appreciate cultural diversity of people of various ethnicbackgrounds while at the same time taking pride in their own lineage, culture and heritage. This viewof themselves and the world will propel them to work towards attaining a national and global communitythat is prosperous, just, compassionate and humane.
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B Curriculum
The school has three programmes.
1. Early Childhood Education from ages one to two years old (1-2 years old)
Focuses on the way of thinking and learning based on the intellectual curios ity and the inquiry of
children" in order to help them with intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Teachers askchildren why? "How come?" and watch their process of growth a nd learning affectionately, and they
observe how children think, feel, try, and find ideas by themselves.
2. Primary Years Programme from ages three to twelve years old ( 3-12 years old)
Adopts International Baccalaureate Primary Programme (IB-PYP) from 3-12 years old. Through a
cross curriculum, children are interested to learn proactively. The activities for the classes are planned
and thoroughly executed.
OIS supports children to make the best use of this program.
3. Middle School from ages thirteen to fifteen years old (13-15 years old)
Comprises eight different subjects that are connected through five interactions that provide the
framework for studying the subjects in an interdisciplinary way. Five interactions consist of the following
elements: Approaches to learning; Community and Service; Human Ingenuity; Environmental Issues;
Health and Social Education
***School/ Educational Outbound Trips
Throughout the school year OIS sponsors different recreational and educational trips. This is awonderful outdoor learning experience for our students.Parents are notified in advance about the details of the school trip. If a child cannot join the activity, theparents must notify the class teacher.
C School EventsAside from the usual daily activities, the school holds different events every year to widen the learningexperience of the child. The following are the major events:
April Opening Ceremony
June Sports Festival
July-August Summer School
October Halloween
December Foundation Day/ School Play / Christmas Party
February PYP Exhibition (Grade 6 Presentation )
March Graduation / Closing Ceremony
For further information, please see the school calendar.
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D. Class Size and Ratio
Area of School Class Age Remarks
ECE
( Early Childhood
Education)
Preschool
Hummingbird1 year
old
Your child must be of
class age as of March31.
3 31
Cygnet2 years
old
InternationalBaccalaureate
Primary Years Programme
Kindergarten
Owlet3 years
old
Eaglet 14 years
old
Eaglet 25 years
old
Elementary
Grade 1
( 1)
6 years
old
Grade 2
( 2)
7 years
old
Grade 3
( 3)
8 years
old
Grade 4
( 4)
9 years
old
Grade 5
( 5)
10 years
old
Grade 6
( 6)
11 years
old
International BaccalaureateMiddle Years Programme
Candidate Phase
()
Middle School
Grade 7
( 1)
12 years
old
2013 Grade8(
2)
Grade 8
( 2)
13 years
old
Grade 9
( 3)
14 years
old
Grade 10
( 1)
15 years
old
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E Discipline
At OIS discipline is approached with a positive tone based on the perspective that students, parents,teachers, and staff respect and care for each others dignity. Hence, the child is taught that every actionhas a consequence and that he/she is responsible for his/her actions. The end of discipline in OIS is toenable the child to acquire self-discipline: to act in the right way in all places and at all times is the
core of the schools discipline program. It is not only for children, but it is to be complied with amongparents, teachers and staff.
The support of parents is important in instilling discipline. Parents should remind their children thatthey must not threaten or harm anyone in school. Parents and teachers will continue to exchangestudentsinformation through their communication notebook, email, telephone calls, and conferences.
PolicyOIS aims to work toward a community in which children can develop discipline and self-esteem in anenvironment of mutual respect and encouragement.
We can achieve these by the rules of conduct of the students behavior which will be discussed andagreed at the OIS and explained to all new comers, both children and adults.
If a need for further disciplinary action still arises, parents will be informed. If the misbehavior stillpersists, a plan of action can be designed to help the pupil acquire good behavior.
If the misbehavior is not resolved and potentially harms others, the School Principal, reserves the rightto suspend or expel the child with unsatisfactory behavior. This is to ensure the common good,protection and safety of all the children in school.
The concerned teacher shall handle minor offenses, which may happen within the classroom. The classadviser shall handle the same type of offenses outside the classroom. A minor offense may be classifiedas a major offense when it is continuously done despite several warnings. The list of minor offenses isas follows:
Presumable Types of Offenses.
1 Minor Offenses Creating noise which distracts classes. Disrespect and/or disobedience to school authorities and other students. Using foul words Teasing, or playing harmful practical jokes Loitering along corridors and open spaces during class hours Littering Incomplete/Improper use of school uniform and PE uniform Eating in prohibited areas Bringing toys/mobile telephones Improper use of school materials (paper, chalk, eraser, notebook, book, etc.) Wearing of expensive jewelry that are not allowed in the school Tardiness
2 Major Offenses Cheating in all kinds of assessments such formative and summative assessments Bullying, whether in person or in cyber-space, fighting or inflicting harm or pain upon a person Stealing Vandalism and other forms of damage to school property Leaving the campus without permit Possession, use and distribution of prohibited and regulated drugs, cigarettes and alcoholic
beverages. Forging parents signature or any other authority in an official communication such as report
cards, reply slips and other non-transferable documents. Gross disrespect for authority shown in disobeying or defying authority, such as open defiance
or answering back, name calling, prying into teachers things, acts of disrespect intending toridicule or show contempt and refusal to accept disciplinary action.
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Plagiarism
Lost or Damaged School PropertyParents are responsible for paying for any school property (including reference books, library books,etc.) lost or damaged by their children.For books, please follow the rules written in the Library section of this handbook.
F. Clothes and AppearanceDress code
Proper way of wearing the school uniform and good grooming is an integral part of the formation ofstudents:
About the wearing of accessories
As for the hairpin, hair band and head band, subdued color (black, dark blue, brown) and design canbe used.Wearing necklace, ring, bracelet, hair extension, and watch is prohibited.
Accessories such as manicure, pedicure, and body stickers are prohibited.
If students come to school with accessories on, there is a possibility that they might not be able to focus
in class because they are touching and playing with these. In addition, he or she might get hurt bypulling or putting these in his/her mouth. Please make sure that your child/children do not have anyaccessories on before they come to school.
Wearing of earrings and other accessories are prohibited. In the case of a religious reason, the
permission from the school is necessary.
G. InformationUse of Photographic ImageOkinawa International School has a diverse real-world and online presence, which includes such itemsas materials for display during school participation at educational events, our school webpage, classblogs and advertisements in various media, etc.
This presence allows OIS to provide efficient communication, enhanced education, and importantinformation to parents, students, and our community both directly and online.
Group pictures and students name Student picture and/or work
With no personally identifiable information.
When a student transfers to another school in the middle of the school year, we will continue to publishtheir picture and works until the end of the school year.
Change of address, telephone number and email addressPlease inform the school as soon as possible after a change of address, telephone number oremergency contact number, email address, parents workplace, and other important matters.
H. Items Prohibited at SchoolToys, games, stickers, playing cards and other items not related to daily school activity should not bebrought to or worn in school unless the teacher designated an activity wherein the above or anymentioned items would be needed.
Collecting MoneyIf it is necessary to send money to school for any reason, OIS will provide an envelope (yellow envelop).Ensure that the classroom teacher is informed that there is money given to your child. OIS will not beheld responsible for any lost item or money without out proper notification.
Naming Items
Secure all your childs belongings that are brought to school by writing names in ENGLISH using apermanent marker and regularly check these items in case the name need to be re-written.
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Lost and Found ItemsOIS will not be held responsible for any lost item or money without proper notification.Lost and found items should be reported or brought as soon as possible to the Schools Office. It will bedisposed when an owner does not claim it after one week.
I. Absences, Arriving Late and Leaving Early
Attendance/Absences/Early Departure
Regular attendance is essential in learning. It cultivates personal value of punctuality and instillsresponsibility that will be of significance to students throughout life. Therefore, prompt and regularattendance in all classes and all approved co-curricular and extracurricular activities is required ofstudents. Parents and guardians are expected to cooperate with the school policy on attendance.We recommend that parents inform the school by letter, telephone or mobile phone call, email or faxwhen their child is going to be absent or tardy. A written note from a parent or guardian is requiredwhen a child returns to school from an absence, is tardy/late to school, or departs from the schoolearlier than the official dismissal. The letter must contain an explanation for the absence, tardy or earlydismissal.
PunctualityIn OIS, we teach the importance of the punctuality to all children. Keeping time is a basic rule when youlearn the sociability. Furthermore, it leads to a sense of responsibility and leads to a learning efficiency.On the other hand, if one student comes late, he/she is wasting his/her time, but it will be wasting otherstudents time. To keep time is one important element of the good learning. 8:45 a.m. is the reportingtime, so after that will be treated as tardy.
Parents or guardians of students should inform the office in cases of absence, late and early pick up.OIS is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Three times tardy within a month is considered habitual tardiness.A child who is habitually tardy without prior notification will be given letter of warning through thecommunication notebook
If habitual tardiness (three times tardy) still persists the following month, the childs parent/ guardian willbe called for a conference. The class teacher and the parents will make an action plan to help the childimprove on his punctuality...
After the parent-teacher meeting has been conducted and the child is still habitually tardy, a conferencewith the principal will be arranged to resolve the problem. If there is no improvement after theconference and habitual tardiness still persist, he will not be accepted inside the classroom if the circletime has already started. Late students entering the classroom during circle time cause distraction thataffects students concentration and attention. The concerned child will stay in the office with hisparent/guardian until the end of circle time
Leaving early from schoolWhen the student leaves school early, or leaves work early time, parents or guardians must inform thereason, the persons name who is coming to pick up, through communication notebook, telephone,E-mail or Fax. In case of the emergency, please contact the office.Students could only be picked up by the persons whose names are written in the communication card.If his/her name is not on the communication card, please inform the office and update the records (i.e.the name of the person and the relationship with the student).
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Absences, Arriving Late, Leaving Early with or without permissiona.Excused Absence, Tardiness or Early Dismissal: may be granted due to personal illness, illnessor death in the family, weather emergency, religious observance, quarantine, required courtappearance, attendance at health clinics, approved cooperative work programs and participation inapproved school programs
Absence from the schoo l due to mourningIf a relative passes away and the student needs to attend the funeral service, they are excused fromattending the class. The allowable excused number of days will be deducted from the total number ofschool days the student is required to attend school.
Relationship Parentsseven days Grandparentsthree days Siblingsthree days Uncle, auntone dayb. Unexcused Absences:All other absences, tardiness, and early departures not within the list aboveare considered unexcused. Parents must notify the school for any deviations in attendance and
punctuality. Without a written note, all absences, tardiness, and early departures are unexcused.
Withdrawal in the middle of the school year, long absence (more than one month)The school office or the class room must be informed of long term absences or withdrawal in the middleof the school year at least one month in advance. Parents/guardians are required to submit the longterm absence form/withdrawal form to the office. (Please see the admission handbook for more details).
Refund in withdrawal in the midd le of the school year
Assessment fee: Non-refundable
Entrance fee: Non-refundable after enrollment
Tuition (semester and monthly payment): Tuition and fees will be refunded the following month after
the withdrawal
Fees for Education facilities and activities (semester payment only): Non-refundable
Extended care fee: Non-refundable
Temporary absence from school due to an epidemic infectionPlease contact the officepromptly if you know your child was infected with an epidemic disease toprevent the infection to other children. In the case of suspension of attendance, please submit thecertificate from the doctor and follow the instructions of the medical attendant by all means. Pleasesubmit a health certificate after being cured.The details about the epidemic are the following.
Okinawa International School>
According to the notice from the Ministry of Education and Science, the infectious diseases
among the children of nurseries and schools have been specified as School Communicable
Diseases. OIS, on the basis of this, has added its own criteria. Basically it is important to prevent
the diseases and to recover them from the disease as soon as possible. Besides, symptoms
caused by infection can vary widely by the condition of very child. On the basis of this, standard
OIS has established it own standard. When infected with these diseases, please refrain from
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sending your children to school until they are healed completely. Please submit your doctors
statement to OIS office for clearance.
Classification of School Communicable Diseases
Name of Diseases Suspension from Schooldysentery, diphtheria, typhoid fever, paratyphoidEbola bleeding fever, South American hemorrhagic fever,Crimean-Congo bleeding fever,plague, Marburg disease, Lassa fever, SARS, avian flu, pox,acute poliomyelitis school communicable disease (polio),cholera bacteria
Until the student has recovered fromthe illness
influenza without avian flu 5 days or until 2 days (Elementary up)or 3 days (Pre-Kinder) after they havenormal body temperature
Whooping coughpertussis, measles, 2 days after the bodyepidemic parotitis (mumps), temperature become
normalRubella varicella (chicken pox), (3 days for
the infants).Pharynx Until the characteristic
cough disappears or untilthe end of treatment with appropriate antimicrobial productsover five days.days after fever disappears.5 days after the swelling of the parotid glands, thesubmandibular gland and sublingual gland appear, and untilthe general conditionbecomes normal. Until all kinds of rashes are gone andUntil after symptoms disappear.Tuberculosis Until the doctor finds norisk of transmissionType 3.intestinal bleeding Escherichia coli infection,epidemic flame acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis,keratoconjunctivitis and other communicable diseases
until whooping cough has stopped or5 days after medical treatment
Type 1:Name of Diseases Suspension from School
dysentery diphtheria typhoid paratyphoid
Ebola bleeding fever, Crimean-Congo bleeding fever,
plague Marburg disease, Lassa fever,
acute poliomyelitis school communicable disease (polio),
cholera bacteria
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Type 2:
influenza, pertussis, measles, 2 days after the body
epidemic parotitis (mumps), temperature become normal
Rubella varicella (chicken pox), (3 days for the infants).
Pharynx Until the characteristic
cough disappears or until
the end of treatment with appropriate antimicrobial products over five days.
days after fever disappears.
5 days after the swelling of the parotid glands, the submandibular gland and sublingual gland appear, and until the general
condition
becomes normal. Until all kinds of rashes are gone and
Until after symptoms disappear.
Tuberculosis Until the doctor finds no risk of transmissionType 3.
intestinal bleeding Escherichia coli infection,
epidemic flame acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis,
keratoconjunctivitis and other communicable diseases
The Ministry of Health and Labor (revised edition in 2012) defines the infectious diseases should be paid special attention at
schools. Other than Class 1 attendance date to school varies depending on each childs health condition and constitution. Please,
pay attention to symptoms and the doctor's diagnosis upon your judgment.
Type 1: The so-called communicable disease "type" is a special case.
Type 2: This type of infections is often found at schools characterized by Droplet infection" and (infection via saliva).
Type 3: This type includes all other types of infectious diseases that prevail in schools.
Type 2infectious diseases
8 diseases have been specified here. The period of suspension from school is determined according to the disease. After
passing this period, the patient will be recovered from the illness, for the infectious virus will be weakened. Please ask your
doctor to issue the medical statement so that your children can come back to OIS.
Suspension from school is not necessary but depending on the symptoms, OIS might give advice for recuperation at home.
Head lice and scabby (Contagiosa Impetigo), water wart (infectious soft species.
I. Traveling To and From the School
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Okinawa International School has facilities in two places:
Buidling A: 2-34-22 Sobe, Naha (behind JA Hall)
For Hummingbird - Elementary Grade 4 classes
Building B: Tsubogawa 2-13-26 Marugen Buiding 4-5F (near the Kohagura intersection)
For Elementary Grade 5 students - Middle School Students
Building A
For safety and protection of your child/children, we request your cooperation on the following.
1. Gates are open for drop off from 7:30 to 8:45. Children who arrive after 8:45 are considered late and will pass
by the office. Parents should fill in a tardiness form.
2. The school office opens from 8:30am to 7:00pm.
3. Gates are open for pick up from 2:00pm-3:00pm.
4. For everybodys safety and convenience, we advise the parents/guardians to leave OIS premises
immediately after dropping off and picking up their child/children. Conversations among parents in the parking
area during drop off and pick up are not allowed.
5. Parents should hold their childs hand and not let them run out to the street when walking them to school from
their car.
6. Parents should drop off their child/children inside the gate from 7:30am -8:20am. Please make sure that
your child/children get inside before leaving the area. The school will not be held responsible for children
dropped off outside the school premises. Hummingbird parents should drop off their child/children to their
classroom.
7. Drive-through assistance during drop off begins from 8:20am to 8:45am. Please see Appendix for the traffic
guidelines.
8. Parents sending guardians to pick up their child should inform the office or their teacher. The office or teacher
should be informed of the guardians name and relation to the child.
9. To facilitate smooth traffic flow, parents are not allowed to park for more than 10 minutes. Moreover, children
are not allowed to stay in the parking area and eat their snacks.
10. Please drive your car at 10 ~ 20 km/hour from route 330 to the OIS parking area for a smooth traffic flow.
Please make way for each other and drive safely.
Building B
8:00 am Building B opens for drop-off
*Building B parking area is owned by Marugen Company. During drop-off and pick-up time, parents may park only for 5 minutes.
School Bus
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1. If you wish to take the school bus, please inquire in the office and fill out the request form.
2. New students or those who want to use the school bus can only be approved provided there are
seats available on the school bus. Bus availability will depend on school bus seat capacity.
3. If you are using the bus, please inform the bus driver and office as soon as possible of any
changes in your schedule or absences.
4. Bus route is limited to a certain area. Please inquire at the office.
5. Students are not allowed to eat their breakfast or snacks in the school bus. Please eat it at
home.
6. Immediate request for bus service or changes of schedule and pick up and drop points are not
allowed.
ex. * My child/children want/s to use the school bus only for today.
*Please let my child/children get off the bus at the same place as his/her friends.
* My child/children want/s to use the school bus because he/she does not have any lessons
after school.
7. Students are required to submit a monthly bus service application for continued use.
8. Students and Parents should wait at the appointed place five minutes before the pick-up and
drop off time respectively. The school bus cannot stop at any time except for getting on and
off the bus.
9. Parents/Guardians must take responsibility to bring their child/children to school in case they
missed the school bus.
10. In times that the bus might be late due to traffic or unforeseen events, please provide a 10
minutes allowance before calling the office or the bus driver.
11. The school bus is covered by car insurance
School Bus Etiquette
Please pay special attention to the following rules to follow in the school bus. Parental precept is requested and recommended.
1. Speak softly on the school bus.
2. Be caring to your friends and bus mates
3. Remain seated while the school bus is moving.
4. Keep your iPad in the bag and avoid playing games on the school bus.
5. Please eat breakfast and snacks at home.
6. Always obey the bus driver, the bus assistant and follow the bus rules.
7. Ask help from the bus assistant when opening and closing the windows.
Please note that if a childs behaviour on the school bus does not conform to the rules or the child is too young or too small to
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sit properly, we reserve the right to refuse their bus service.
Bus misbehavior disciplinary action:
* If the student receives three warnings regarding above rules, we will contact the parents.
* If the students manner on the bus does not improve after notifying the parents, students will not be allowed to use the school
bus for a week.
* If the students broke the rules of the school bus again after their one week suspension, we will cancel their bus service.
J. Communication
We try to communicate closely with parents/guardians at school. Through communication the parents come to know how their
children are learning at school and at the same time they will learn how to help and support their children's education.
Communication notebook
Parents and teachers use a communication notebook to keep in touch with each other concerning reports on the attitudes and
behavior of children. Parents and teachers exchange information by reading and understanding the content written in the
communication notebook. Please sign it after confirmation. By all means parents/guardians are to write down the health status of
children or any matter that you should notify the teacher.
Setting appointment/conference at OIS
If the parents/guardians want to have a conference with the class teacher or the principal and director, they should always make
an appointment a day in advance. If there is no advance appointment, meetings may not be accepted. However, an exception
can be made in case of emergency and depending on the agenda.
Letters from School
Letters are used to convey information and messages from OIS. Each letter has a section for the guardians to fill out, then,
please have your child submit it to the class teacher in time of request.
Agreements on Class Observation
* OIS has set up a parents Open School once every semester so that they can observe their childrens class activities.
* Furthermore, we also welcome you to visit your child/childrens classes.
* Please make an advance reservation for your class visit.
* During your tour of OIS, please follow the rules below.
(1) No photographs and video recordings are allowed.
(2) Parents/guardians and visitors observe classes in the corridor so as not to interfere with class activities. However, it is
possible to sit in the class if you are given permission.
Conferences
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The school holds three kinds of conference: Parent-Teacher Conference (PTC), Three-Way Conference (TWC), and Student-led
Conference. Parents must attend the conferences. Please see the Assessment Policy.
School Website
School website (www.ois-edu.com)is one means of communication between the school and parents as well as among the
parents through the Internet. Children's activities are available in the blog of each class.
Home Page of Okinawa International School
The students of OIS will be given a personal identification (ID) and password. By using the ID and password they can log into My
Page. On My Pagethey can download, browse photos and read class blogs. Please contact the Office directly for changing
password.
E-mail Newsletter on Home page (mail magazine)All mails from the school will be sent from [email protected]. Please sign up for your mobile phone and cancel the reject
all messages setting. In addition, [email protected] address will be send only, so any questions or inquiries, etc.
please contact [email protected].
Announcements by E-mail
The guardians/parents who have submitted their mail addresses beforehand, will receive school event information,
announcement from the class, as well as an emergency announcement by email. So, please give your e-mail address to the
office for communication with OIS.
IB Parent workshop
OIS offers IB workshops to the guardians/parents for IB study session. So we welcome you to the workshops that will create
better understanding of what IB is all about. This is aimed at developing class curriculum by collaborative work of the
guardians/parents, teachers and staff of OIS.
K. Health
Emergency Contact Cards
The school will distribute an emergency contact card. Parents/guardians should fill it out and submit to their child's class teacher.
In the event of an emergency, the school will contact you based on the information given on the card. Please inform the office or
the class teachers if any changes occur.
If your child has an emergency, this card will be used to contact the parent/guardian. It should be filled out with the
name of the person who can come to the school quickly and pick up your child in emergencies.
The card shows information for names, relationships, and phone numbers for the child, parent/guardian, persons who
are authorized to come and pick up the child, and the name of the hospital associated with billing.
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School staff may contact the parent/guardian as needed.
If there is any change in contact information, please contact OIS and update the information immediately.
Children may only be released to people who are specifically named on the card.
Regarding all others, the parent/guardian must contact the office and give them the name of the person and their
relationship to the child.
The card also contains the childs social security number, and information related to first aid for minor injuries.
Please refer to the sample of the emergency card attached to the page.
Parents/guardians must inform the class teacher and office of all information related to the condition of the child (such
as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, etc.).
If your child contracts a contagious disease such as chicken pox, it is not possible to reenter school without permission
from a doctor.
If your child develops impetigo, symptoms, your child may be asked not to come to school based on the decision of theclass teacher and school.
If you request that medicine be administered to your child, you must fill out the necessary information and sign
(parent/guardian) a medication card from the school, supplying the dosage of the appropriate medicine in the "connect
bag" and give it to the class teacher.
No medicine can be administered to your child without a medication card.
Medication cards can be downloaded from the school homepage.
Medical and dental check-ups
The medical and dental check are done by each department. Please refer to the department handbook for further details.
Injury and Illness
Although OIS takes great care so that injury does not occur, if an injury or illness does occur, the following actions will be taken
by the school.
OIS will apply disinfectant to external scratches and scrapes resulting from light trauma. If it is determined that, due to the nature and severity of the injury, your child should be taken to a hospital, we will
inform the parent/guardian, and at the same, a staff member will take your child to the hospital. The parent/guardian
should bring their insurance card with them and go to the designated hospital.
( If a staff member incurs transportation expenses while taking your child to a hospital, OIS will request that
remuneration be made at a later date)
Based on the type and condition of the injury, if it is determined that an ambulance should be called, it will be done so
immediately, and the parent/guardian will be contacted.
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Administration of Medicine
OIS does not administer medicine for such things as bug bites.
If you request that medicine be administered to your child, you must fill out the necessary information and sign
(parent/guardian) a medication card from the school, supplying the dosage of the appropriate medicine in the "connect
bag" and give it to the class teacher.
No medicine can be administered to your child without a medication card.
Please do not give medicine to your child and instruct them to take medicine by themselves, nor give them anti -itch
ointment and ask them to apply it to themselves without reporting this information to the class teacher and office.
(Due to the improper application/administration of such medicines and/or ointments by children to
themselves, it is possible that they may experience shock as a reaction.)
OIS does not take any responsibility whatsoever for any results of the administration of medication.
OIS has on hand First Aid kit containing bandages, cotton tape, a thermometer, cold spray, gauze, and a disinfectant
solution. Additionally, in the Office on the first floor, there is an AED, which OIS staff has been trained in using.
Hospitals and clinics that are currently available as of November 2012
OIS Designated Hospital:
Okinawa Kyodo hospital
Kohagura, Naha
4-10-55 Kohagura
098-853-1200
Nearby Hospitals:
Shimabukuro Neurosurgery
3-11-9 Kohagura, Naha
098-855-0543
Niko-niko Orthopedic
2-11-2 Tsubogawa, Naha
098-836-4809
Schools response to fever and discomforts
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Before leaving for school, if your child's physical condition is not good and displays the following symptoms:
temperature is 37.5 degrees and above, or they are suffering from fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or are fatigued, please
don't send them to school.
While in school, if their temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees, the parent or guardian will be informed and may be asked
to come to OIS to pick up their child. If their temperature exceeds 38.0 degrees, parents/guardian must pick-up their
child immediately.
If it is determined that your child's condition has stabilized, they may return to class.
Even in the absence of fever, OIS will contact you to pick up your child if the following symptoms are observed:
vomiting, diarrhea, or redness of the eyes.
When the condition of your child prevents participation
There are many activities in which your child needs to move their body.
If their condition is not good, and they don't want to participate in activities that require movement, please always inform the class
teacher in the communication notebook.
Also, if they will be absent from school for a long interval based on their condition, please obtain and submit a medical certificate
from a doctor and submit it to the OIS office.
Insurance
Accident Insurance:A Outpatient 2,000JPY/dayB Hospitialization 3,000JPY/day
C Death, Aftereffects 5,000,000JPY
Liability insurance: 50,000,000JPY
Children who are injured after school hours will not be covered by the insurance.
L. Food
Breakfast
Make sure your children eat a balanced breakfast at home before you send them off to school so they'll do their best with their
studies. Students are not allowed to eat breakfast at school. We know mornings can be busy, but remember, it's the most
important meal of the day, so thanks for your understanding.
Lunch
Building A
Lunch is provided by a catering service company. Parents/guardians must order one week before the meal is required.
The menu is announced on the 20th of every month. If you need a copy of the menu, please pick up a copy in the office
of Building A.
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If you need to cancel catering, please inform the office one week in advance. Failure to do so will require you to pay for
the outstanding amount.
Payment for catering should be made according to the statement released monthly.
If your child is allergic to eggs, allowances/substitutions can be made. If your child has other allergies, catering cannot
be used.
Building B
Students can bring their own lunch, or order a catered lunch.
Students in Building B eat lunch in JA, so they can either purchase lunch tickets from the Building B office or bring their
lunch with them and eat at JA.
JAs lunch menu is fixed on a daily basis. Students will not be able to ask for a different menu than the one noted on the
weekly JA lunch menu.
Obento/Lunch Box
If your child will bring their lunch to school, parents must consider how to provide them with a balanced meal to eat.
The school will not accept food which requires refrigeration or the use of the microwave oven and you shouldn't give
your child "konnyaku jelly" for dessert.
During summer, lunch boxes should be stored in a cool air conditioned place.
For children with food restrictions based on religion, allergies, and for people who wish to be responsible for their own
food safety, please prepare your own lunch boxes accordingly.
Please make sure your child brings water or Japanese tea with them in a water bottle/thermos. Carbonated beverages and
sports drinks are prohibited.
For students with food allergies
Please notify the class teacher as soon as possible.
In order for the school to understand what foods should be prohibited based on the nature/degree of your child's allergy, please
make sure to submit a medical certificate from a doctor describing their condition in detail.
For children with allergies, parents/guardians are responsible for preparing the proper food for their children.
If your child is allergic to eggs, support from the school is available. Please contact the school directly. Note that that school
cannot offer support for allergies other than eggs, so please prepare your own lunch box.
Based on the type and severity of the allergy, and also your child's age and condition, please understand that OIS reserves
the right to refuse allergy support.
Bento Day
The second Friday of every month is bento day.
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If a student forgets to bring their lunchbox, the school will not be responsible. Parents/guardians should be aware of this and be
fully responsible for ensuring that your child brings their lunchbox with them to school.
M. Paid Extended Day Care
OIS has extended day care from Monday to Friday. Extended day care is operated by Japanese staff. Please note that in some
circumstances, use of this service may be denied.
Hummingbird Class
1. 11:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.
2. 11:30a.m. - 7:00p.m.
Cygnet Class - Eaglet 2
3:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Elementary
5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
If you use monthly extended care, there is a 3:30p.m. snack time. You can either order catering (one week before) for
an additional fee or you can bring it with you.
If you suddenly need to use extended care, please contact the office by 2:00p.m.
Until 7:00p.m., the fee for extended care is 550JPY/hr. However, parents must provide a snack. Please be aware that
OIS cannot provide snacks.
During on-campus meetings related to school events, there will be no charge for extended care.
In such a case, please inform the office or the class teacher of your need to use extended care at least one week
before such meetings.
OIS cannot accept or process extended care applications made on the day of need. A snack must be prepared by
parents.
Please come directly to the extended day care location such as the gym, library or classroom to pick up your child.
For pick up, please refer J: Traveling To and From School .
If the students are waiting for their pick up at OIS after their swimming school or other lessons outside of OIS, the
parents should pick them up directly from the swimming school staff or other schools.
Please note that when the pick-up time has passed after 7:00 p.m., the extension fee is charged.
N. School Facilities
Okinawa International School has facilities in two places:
Buidling A: 2-34-22 Sobe, Naha (behind JA Hall)
Used by Hummingbird - Elementary Grade 4 classes
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Building B: Tsubogawa 2-13-26 Marugen Buiding 4-5F (near the Kohagura intersection)
Used by Elementary Grade 5 students - Middle School students
Building A
Library
Open from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday.
During this time, students can check out books, do research for classes, and use during break times and after school
for studying and homework.
From elementary through middle school, students have their own library number registered, which remains with them
while they are OIS students.
Kindergarten children will need to bring a library bag with them while checking out a book in order to protect the book.
One person can check out up to three books at one time. The period of check out is to be one week. Please return
books in due time.
No eating or drinking of any kind is permitted in the library.
In the event that there is damage to or loss of a book, students will be charged accordingly.
Cost of lost or damaged book beyond repair - full cost
Damages due to dirt, food and drink or writing materials - 500JPY
Additionally, as a member of the Okinawa Prefectural. Library group, OIS can borrow up to 400 books for a period of six months
at no charge.
Gym (Multi-purpose Hall)
The gym (multi-purpose hall) is used for PE class and free-time physical activities, in addition to being used for
extended day care.
Parking Lot
The school has a limited number of parking spaces. If you are engaged in an activity at school that requires you to park
your car at OIS, please contact the office.
Toilet and Washroom
There are toilets on each floor. Building A also is equipped with a wash room.
Kitchen
The kitchen is used during the preparation of food and other activities.
Infirmary
The infirmary is a place where students can rest when feeling unwell. This room is equipped with bed mats and a First
Aid box.
Computer room
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The computer room is used by students from Kindergarten through Elementary during computer classes.
Elevator
The school elevator may be used by parents/guardians with accompanying children, the elderly, and persons with
disabilities, pregnant women, or people moving heavy things.
Building
Science Room B
The science room is used during the instruction of science classes.
Library
1. The library is open from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday.
2. During this time, students can check out books, do research for classes, and use during break times and after school
for studying and homework.
3. From elementary through middle school, students have their own library number registered, which remains with them
while they are OIS students.
4. Kindergarten children need to bring a library bag with them while checking out a book in order to protect the book.
5. One person can check out up to three books at one time. The period of check out is to be one week. Please return
books in due time.
6. No eating or drinking of any kind is permitted in the library.
7. In the event that there is damage to or loss of a book, students will be charged accordingly.
Cost of lost or damaged book beyond repair - full cost
Damages due to dirt, food and drink, or writing materials - 500JPY
Additionally, as a member of the Okinawa Prefecural Library group, OIS can borrow up to 400 books for a period of six months at
no charge.
Music room
Used during music instruction.
Lounge
Used by students during breaks to socialize and during group work time.
O. Others
Disaster drills
Students receive instruction in disaster training drills at school for fires, earthquakes, suspicious persons, etc. so that they can
know how to properly escape. A firefighter comes to OIS twice a year, and checks our disaster drill procedures and gives us
advice and instruction.
Pre-K drills once a month.
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Elementary and Middle School drills twice a year.
Temporary closing of school
1. If a typhoon warning has been issued
OIS will close if public transportation is shut down and public schools close by 6:30a.m.
Even if the typhoon warning is canceled anytime after 6:30a.m., school will close.
If information about public schools closing is broadcast on the radio or television, we ask that you not make a phone
call to OIS to confirm if school will be closed.
If closing of the school is determined after we are already open, we will contact parents and guardians as soon as
possible, so please come and pick up your children.
For children who use the school bus, we will deliver them to the designated location, where parents should come to
pick them up. We will contact you with the ETA.
If information in the emergency contact card should be changed, please inform the class teacher as soon as possible. If we
are not kept up-to-date on changes, we will be unable to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Above all, the safety of students and OIS employees is paramount, so it is on these criteria alone that final decisions regarding
the temporary closure of the school be made.
2. In the event that a tsunami warning has been issued
Upon confirmation from the City of Naha, the rooftop of OIS building A and building B will be used as a temporary
evacuation areasince it is 12 meters above sea level.
If it has been confirmed that all is clear, regular classes will resume, and return to home will proceed as usual.
If it is determined that parents must come and pick up their children, we will wait for parents to come to OIS first before
releasing their children to them.
3. In the event of a sudden tsunami that exceeds 10m in height
We will evacuate to the following temporary evacuation area:
Jogaku Elementary School
Sobe 2-1-1, Naha
Okinawa Prefecture, 900-0023
TEL098-891-3318 FAX098-891-3358
We will wait for you to come to pick up your child.
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4. In the event of an earthquake
Based on the decision of teachers, depending on conditions, we will evacuate to a temporary evacuation site (such as
the outdoor school parking lot).
If it is determined that parents/guardians must come and pick up their children, we will wait for you to come to pick
them up at the temporary evacuation site before releasing them to you.
Parents should contact the school to confirm if they will or will not be coming to pick up their child, and to inquire as to
the safety of their child.
However, in the event that regular phones are not working, please use the phone number given below.
School Emergency Phone: 070-5400-1853
5. In the event that the usual evacuation area is unsafe, we will evacuate to the following temporary
evacuation area:
Jogaku Elementary School
Sobe 2-1-1, Naha
Okinawa Prefecture, 900-0023
TEL098-891-3318 FAX098-891-3358
The school will wait until the parent or guardian comes to pick up their child.
Parents should contact the school to confirm if they will or will not be coming to pick up their child, and to inquire as to
the safety of their child.
However, in the event that regular phones are not working, please use the phone number given above.
When a disaster occurs, after going through 1-5 above, if contact by telephone and/or email is completely impossible due to
disaster conditions, please come directly to the temporary evacuation area (Jogaku Elementary School) to pick up your child.
Parent Meetings (NEST, FOREST)
While their children are attending OIS, parents may participate in and support various kinds of school activities by
becoming members of NEST (Pre-K) and FOREST (Elementary).
When parents and guardians need to get together for parent meetings and for other school activities, they may use
classrooms not currently being used after contacting the school in advance and making a reservation. When doing so,
please inform the office as to the time, purpose, number of people attending, and names.
Time of use is limited to between 9:30a.m. and 1:30p.m.
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When a parent or guardian wishes to distribute flyers, they must provide a means of contact and other information to
the principal for prior approval. So as to prevent misunderstanding between the school and parents, the above
procedures should be strictly adhered to.
Footwear for in-school use
In order to keep our environment clean and safe, parents should bring slippers and a bag in which to put their outdoor shoes with
them when they visit OIS.
Slippers for visitors are available in the office
Please be advised that OIS will not be responsible for loss of footwear. Please look after your own belongings.
Visitation Policy
OIS believes that keeping the school open to the public is essential. Parents, other visitors, and people from the prefecture are
always welcome to visit our school. However, all such visitors must contact the school in advance, and are required to
understand and follow the school rules and procedures during their school visit.
Upon arrival, first check in with the office. You will be issued a visitation pass. Please display this at all times.
On campus, photography and video are strictly prohibited.
If you'd like to have a meeting with a school representative or the Principal, please make an appointment in advance.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation regarding future procedures and this rulebook, all of which have
been done for the sake of the OIS students.